6 Best Thrift Store Bargains

Shopping can be fun and rewarding but prices quickly add up. Thankfully, thrift stores abound with inexpensive treasures that will keep you and your home stylish. Save money and resources by looking for these 6 thrift store bargains next time you go shopping.

1. Oversize Sweaters

Depending on your accessories, oversize sweaters are versatile and are essential to any woman’s closet. Jeans, Birkenstocks and an oversize sweater are perfect for a casual outing, while the same sweater with leggings, boots, and a scarf or statement necklace signifies that you are ready for a night with the girls. Next time you’re thrift shopping, check out the men’s section to find the perfect oversize sweater for your wardrobe.

2. Pillows

If you need a new look for your bedroom or just want some extra pillows for around the house, thrift stores offer pillows of various shapes and sizes. Are you are going for a shabby chic look? Pick out pillows with similar prints and styles. Do you have a particular theme in mind? Choose pillows based on their size and then cover them with new fabric. To save money, you can also purchase large shirts and sweaters from thrift stores and use them to sew new pillow covers.

3. China Sets

Thrift stores offer a variety of unique and inexpensive china sets that are perfect if you want to host a tea party but don’t have the right tableware. Tea sets are easy to mix and match and can be found an most thrift stores. You can save the china set and use it again for future parties, or you can give away the cups and saucers as party favors.

4. Mugs

Stuff them with candy and give them away; load them with potting mix and start a cacti garden; or, fill them to the brim with your favorite hot beverage. Thrift stores have mugs for everyone, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. Mugs are inexpensive and make great last minute gifts or cute additions to your shelves.

5. Picture Frames

Why pay extra money for a new picture frame when you can find them for half the price at thrift stores? You can find original frames with a variety of different styles at thrift stores; just take out the old picture and put in your own. You can make the frames your own by painting or sanding them to add a shabby chic look. If you prefer natural wood, applying a coat of stain can make an old picture frame look like new.

6. Purses and Wallets

If you’re the type of person who enjoys standing out from the crowd, thrift stores offer a myriad of purses and bags that will fit your unique style. Whether you need a small sophisticated clutch for a special occasion or just want a new bag for your vacation, you can usually find something to fit your needs while thrift shopping.

Have fun with your thrift store shopping and don’t forget about these great bargain ideas!

Shelby is a copy editor, writing tutor, and research assistant. She is a senior at Blackburn College with a professional writing major and computer science minor. Shelby loves the earth, books, media literacy, and the oxford comma. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShelbyRainford